News Archive 2010-2011
May 2011
Posted May 30, 2011
New Programs Manager Announced
Sarah Murray, a familiar face to many at the ski club, will be joining our staff in the newly created role of programs manager.
Murray is a former Yukon Ski Team member, a former Ski Base staff member and has recently graduated from St. Thomas University.
Sarah's great enthusiasm and wealth of ski experience make her perfect for the position, where she will coordinate existing adult and kids programs and develop new ones.
Posted May 4, 2011
Team Nish
Cross Country Canada has announced the Senior National Team for the upcoming ski season and it contains not one, but two Whitehorse, skiers. And not one, but two Nishikawas.
Emily Nishikawa is the first female Yukon skier to be named to the senior National Team since Lucy Steele. Steele was a member of the National Team from 1988 until her retirement in 1997.
And Graham Nishikawa is the first male Yukon skier to be named to the team since, well, Graham Nishikawa, back in 2005, when he became the first ever male Yukon athlete to be named to a senior national ski team. At that time, he managed only a one year stint on the squad before a bad season marred by illness relegated him to the benches.
Tenacious in the extreme, Graham’s performances over the ensuing years have included highs, like multiple national Haywood Noram titles and lows like almost, but not quite, making the Olympic team in 2010. But he hung on, and the 27year old, peak age for distance skiers, is now is back with a well deserved nomination to the team, sharing the stable with the likes of superstars Devon Kershaw and Alex Harvey. His record over the past season included a top 30 placing at the World Cup races in Sweden, racing against the best in the world. He is currently ranked 5th overall in Canada in distance races. And tenacious runs in the family.
No stranger to setbacks herself, 21 year old Emily has come back from losing almost a full season several years ago to anterior compartment syndrome, followed by a nagging shoulder injury early in this past season. Resilient to the core, Emily stormed back in the latter part of the season, winning multiple medals at the Canada Winter Games and a host of other races.
Her international experience includes trips to the World U23 Championships in Estonia this year and in Germany in 2010. She is currently ranked 6th in the country in the distance racing and 7th in the sprints.
The pair will both train in Canmore for the upcoming season.
Along with the two senior skiers, three Yukoners will be members of the National Junior Team. Returning for a second year on the team are: Dahria Beatty, Janelle Greer and Knute Johnsgaard. ..
Posted May 3, 2011
Reservoir Construction Affects Olympic Trail
If you were skiing in early April or walking on Olympic Trail recently, you may have noticed a large clear cut between the tennis courts and The Ramp. The clear cut straddles part of Olympic Trail.
This was the first step in the planned expansion of the Valleyview Water Reservoir which is located just south of the cleared area. The expansion has been planned for a few years and the city has kept the ski club informed at each stage of the development. Plans to reroute Olympic Trail had been made last summer. Some changes in the design have meant that only a small portion of Olympic Trail will be affected by the development. The project contractors will assist with rerouting the trail when equipment is on site.
The project is scheduled for completion in the fall but some site work will be done next spring.
Rocky Canyon Trail will be accessible and there will be a parking area and access trail as part of the overall site development.
April 2011
Posted April 26, 2011
Job Posting - Program Manager
The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club is seeking an individual to fill the newly created position of Program Manager for the club.
This position will coordinate existing adult and youth programs and work with club management to develop new programs to meet the needs of the growing club.
If you possess strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, work well independently and have a solid understanding of cross country skiing, this is an ideal position for you. Hours of work will vary but will be part time for much of the season, full time for January and February. Candidates must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.
Pay is negotiable but is expected to be in the range of $20-$25/hr.
Applications must be received no later than May 15, 2011.
The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, with over 1300 members, is the premier ski club in the north. Boasting over 75 km of groomed trails located just 5 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, the club is a major resource to the local community.
For a complete job description click here.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, contact:
Claude Chabot Executive Director ed@xcskiwhitehorse.ca..Posted April 19, 2011
Buckwheat Photos
Tony Gonda has provided a link to photos that he took at the Buckwheat Ski Classic.
Posted April 5, 2011
Supertour Results
While some of their team mates were home competing in the Yukon Championships, a pair of local skiers were mixing it up in an intense four race series in Sun Valley Idaho last week.
Emily Nishikawa and Dahria Beatty hit the trails against competition from around the world in a tough four race, four day series dubbed the U.S. Supertour Final.
The series started off with a 2.8 km prologue, followed by a 10 km mass start classic race, then a pair of hill climbs. The last of these, a painful 4 km struggle up the slopes of a downhill resort, was skied with a handicap start, so the first woman across the line at the top was the overall winner of the series.
The women’s field was dominated by Alaskan superstar Kikkan Randall, who has been having a great season, with multiple wins on the world cup circuit. Randall posted the best time in all four races to clinch the overall title handily.
However, the two Yukoners held their own. Nishikawa finished the series in 16th place overall, the second Canadian. Olympic gold medalist Chandra Crawford was the top Canadian. She finished 6th overall.
Not too far back was Dahria Beatty, in the top half of the field with a 33rd placing. As a 16 year old competing among some of the top seniors in the world, Beatty impressed all with her placing where others her age would have been intimidated by the level of competition.
The men’s side of the race was won by US Ski Team member Kris Freeman. Top Canadian was Drew Goldsack from the Canadian National Team.
No Yukon men made the trip to Idaho. Skiers now get a rest before heading into summer training in preparation for next season.
Posted April 1, 2011
Club Survey Results
We had over 300 responses to the recent club survey. With the responses came a ton of great suggestions from the ski community (about 50 pages worth!).
The club board is working on analysing the results as we move into the planning cycle for the next season. However, if you are interested in seeing a summary of the responses to the various survey questions, click here.
March 2011
Whitehorse School Challenge March 30!
The ski club is hosting the Whitehorse School Challenge on Wednesday March 30. Over 150 Grade 4,5,6 students from 8 Whitehorse schools will participate in a day of skill development, games, fun sprint races and good food.
School Challenge Coordinator, Maura Sullivan has a great team of club volunteers to help with the event and if the weather continues as is, the skiers will have a memorable day.
Club members and visitors who plan to use the trails on March 30 should be aware of the large number of children who will be in the ski stadium and surrounding trails. Please use caution on Ketza, Chalet and Stadium trails and watch for children between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Skiers with dogs are requested to park at the Dog Trail parking lot and to keep dogs under close control until away from Ketza Connector which is adjacent to the parking area.
Posted March 17, 2011
Sprint Day #2 at Nationals
The Junior and Juvenile skiers on the Yukon Ski Team got their chance at the tough Canmore sprint courses on Thursday.
Once again Kendra Murray turned in a strong performance, although not quite enough to add to the team’s medal count. Murray has been having a breakthrough meet, beginning with a gold medal in the team sprint last Saturday and a bronze in the Junior Girls 5 km free technique race on Sunday.
In today’s sprints, Murray qualified in 6th place in the preliminaries, then improved mark that to finish in fourth place in the heats, just out of the medals. Skiers from Quebec swept the top three spots in the Junior Girls category, led by Alexia Rancourt of the Monte Ste Anne club.
Murray was the only Whitehorse skier to make it past the qualification round, although Holly Bull was tantalizingly close, missing the mark by less than 3 seconds on the 1 km course.
A similar fate awaited Trevor Bray. Skiing in the Juvenile Boys category, he missed jumping to the quarter finals by a 4 second margin.
The meet wraps up on Saturday with a free technique distance race. ..
Posted March 16, 2011
Sprint Day at Nationals
There were strong performances by local skiers at the sprint races at the Haywood Ski Nationals on Wednesday, although the intense competition didn’t add to the medal count for Yukon skiers. Almost every skier on the team got through the qualification round to the heats, always a good sign of technique, fitness and race strategy.
Top performance for the day came from Emily Nishikawa. She finished in 6th place behind National Ski Team member Dasha Gaizova, who outsprinted Olympic gold medalist Chandra Crawford for the win. Head Coach Alain Masson was impressed. “With competition at this level, making the A final is a great achievement.”
In the Junior Women’s group, Dahria Beatty picked up another 6th place for the team. Teammate Janelle Greer had a strong qualifier but faded in the quarter finals to finish 16th overall. Like many on the team, Greer is feeling the effects of a virus that has decimated the Yukoners.
David Greer, more of a distance specialist than a sprinter, didn’t advance beyond the quarter finals in the Open Men’s group and finished in 17th place. Meanwhile, John Parry was having a great race and looked in position to make the final but a miscalculated lane change in the semi resulted in him being relegated to 30th place by the jury.
Knute Johnsgaard made it through the semi-finals in the Junior Male group but didn’t quite have enough to get a podium spot; he finished in 9th position, while teammates Jeff Wood, Logan Potter and Lee Hawkings were all knocked out in the quarter finals.
The Junior Boys/Girls on the team get their sprint chances on Thursday. The Ski Nationals wrap up on Saturday with a free technique distance race, after which the athletes and coaches get a shot at a well-deserved rest.
Posted March 13, 2011
Strong Start for Yukon at Nationals
Yukon women came out of the starting gate with a blast this weekend at the 2011 Haywood Ski Nationals, picking up five medals in the first two days of competition.
The first race on the program was a team sprint, where teams of two skiers each ski three laps of the course, tagging off to their partner after each lap. Emily Nishikawa and Janelle Greer teamed up to dominate the Open Women’s competition, besting the powerhouse clubs of Mt Ste Anne and Nakkertok.
Next up was the Challenge Girls category, for Junior skiers. And again it was a Yukon pair with gold around their necks at the end of the day, this time the dynamic duo of Dahria Beatty and Kendra Murray.
The men’s side didn’t fare as well, with the best finish of the day a 7th placing by David Greer and John Parry.
The men’s team has been ravaged by illness, with top senior skier David Greer just recovering from a bout of pneumonia, while others are suffering from colds and flu.
On Sunday, the second day of the week-long competition, the athletes switched to interval start skating races. And once again the Yukon women came out flying, led by Emily Nishikawa, just coming off a stellar performance at the Halifax Canada Winter Games.
Nishikawa was the top Canadian and second overall in the women’s 10 km event, just behind U.S. skier Chelsea Holmes. And Dahria Beatty took a silver medal in the Junior Women’s race, which was skied on the Canmore World Cup course, noted for being one of the toughest courses on the world cup circuit.
Flying out of the starting blocks and picking up a bronze in the Junior Girls category was Kendra Murray. Murray is “skiing the best she’s ever done in her life” according to team Yukon head coach Alain Masson.
The Haywood Ski Nationals has attracted almost 700 of the best senior and junior racers in North America to Canmore, which is putting on a great show for all, helped by weather somewhat warmer than we have been seeing in Whitehorse of late.
The team gets to rest on Monday, then switches to classic technique races on Tuesday. Classic technique races are traditionally Yukon’s strong suit and more medals are expected. ..
Posted March 11, 2011
BC Midget Champ
Congratulations to Hannah Shier who recently placed 3rd in the spring race at the BC Midget Championships, held at Whistler Olympic Park. Hannah was less than 2 seconds out of the gold medal position. She also picked up a strong 6th place in a classic technique distance race earlier in the week.
Posted March 10, 2011
Masters of the World
Over 1,200 veteran skiers from around the world have descended on the Sovereign Lakes Ski Club in southern B.C. for a week of fun and competition, and, of course, skiers from Whitehorse are there and making their mark.
On Saturday, the first day of competition, Dave Brook picked up a bronze medal in the M04 category in a tough 30 km classic technique race. He posted a time of 1:37:55 to pick up the honour, a good time for any age group. A few days later, Dave picked up another bronze medal as part of the Canadian team in the four person relay team.
Weather has been perfect through the event, with temperatures hovering in the -4 to -8 range and lots of snow for the massive fields to tackle.
A summary of results for the team to date is:
| Race | Athlete | Placing/no in category |
| 30 km Classic |
Bill Greer Tony Painter Scott Fraser Lois Johnston Gord Wood |
42/67 43/67 32/64 11/23 47/76 |
| 15 km classic |
Grant Abbott Dave Brook Tammy Reis |
31/51 3/23 7/10 |
| 10 km classic |
Dave Brook Grant Abbott Tammy Reis |
8/31 50/67 6/8 |
| 10 km free |
Scott Fraser Bill Greer Tony Painter Gord Wood Lois Johnston |
24/39 36/55 37/55 23/61 7/24 |
The event wraps up tomorrow with a long distance free technique race.
Posted March 9, 2011
Stratis Receives Fr. Mouchet Award
The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club has announced the recipient of the Father Mouchet Award for 2011.
Longtime ski club and Cross Country Yukon coach Nick Stratis received the honour at the recent club awards banquet held on March 5 in conjunction with the Northwestel Yukon Loppet.
The award, named after Father Jean-Marie Mouchet who founded the TEST ski program was first presented in 1991. It is presented to club members who have rendered exceptional service to the sport of cross country skiing in Whitehorse over the years and who have demonstrated initiative, leadership and commitment.
Club president Tom Ullyett, who presented the award, commented that Stratis “is a consummate coach, someone who coaches for all the right reasons. Over the years he has coached and taught everyone from young kids to older skiers and has brought out tremendous enthusiasm in each and every one.”
The award was given to Stratis based not only on his coaching achievements, but his leadership, initiative and volunteerism in a number of areas. “Nick truly is a role model for the club”, noted Ullyett. ..
Posted March 7, 2011
Northwestel Loppet a Resounding Success
For 28th year in a row, cross country skiers swarmed the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club for the Northwestel Yukon Loppet. This year 152 skiers participated in this annual event, which is organized by the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club.
“Northwestel is very pleased to support this event again this year,” said Anne Kennedy, Northwestel Director Communications. “As a long time participant myself, I enjoy how year after year, the Loppet proves to be such a great community event. It brings both competitive and recreational skiers together and overall, it’s great fun for everyone. Northwestel is proud to include this event as one of the many ways we support our community.”
This year the weather was perfect for the event. The cold winds that had plagued the trails died down, the sun came out and the temperatures rose to a very comfortable -15, perfect for a long ski.
“It was another successful year for the Northwestel Yukon Loppet,” said Claude Chabot, Executive Director Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club. “Cross country skiing is very popular in the Yukon. Events like the Northwestel Loppet keep the sport alive and well, showcase our great trails and remind us how lucky we are to have a facility like this so close to downtown.”
The day wrapped up with an awards presentation at a banquet on Saturday evening.
Overall Winners by Distance
| CATEGORY | SKIER | TIME |
| 3 km Boys | Aidan Hupe | 0:19:38.3 |
| 3 km Girls | Isla Hupe | 0:26:56.1 |
| 7.5 km Special O Men | Owen Munroe | 0:45:39.5 |
| 7.5 km Boys | Marcus Deuling | 0:28:22.1 |
| 7.5 km Girls | Colae Ann Swenson | 0:28:11.9 |
| 20 km Men | Trevor Bray | 1:15:49.1 |
| 20 km Women | Adrienne Hynes | 1:25:51.4 |
| 30 km Men | David Gonda | 1:44:30.2 |
| 30 km Women | Pippa Lawson | 2:04:57.4 |
In 2010, Northwestel contributed more than $600,000 in cash and in-kind donations to many northern community groups. Throughout its history, Northwestel has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural development of the North. Northwestel is recognized as a key contributor to the well-being of northern communities through its community investment program and the volunteer contributions of its employees. ..
February 2011
Posted February 28, 2011
Record Numbers for Ski Club
The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club has once again set a membership record. Full season memberships have topped 1,320, the highest the club has ever seen.
Last year’s tally was just under 1,300 and was also a record.
Tom Ullyett, the club’s president, stated that “we’re seeing membership increases in all categories. Anyone who has been around the club on a weekend will have noticed that we’re busy, but with over 70 km of trails you never have to fight crowds when you’re out for a ski.”
While the club’s storied racers get the attention, the average member is a casual, recreational skier who just likes to get out on superbly groomed trails in a social atmosphere. The club’s staff and volunteers spend countless hours in all seasons keeping the trails in tip top shape.
Ullyett also noted that the club’s location has a lot to do with its success. “We’re almost unique in the country in having a superb trail system only minutes from downtown.”
Members can be found out on the trails at almost all hours of the day and night, enjoying the conditions.
It’s not too late to join, as the great snow this season means that the ski season will likely extend well into April. Spring passes, sold at the discount price of only $70 go on sale beginning March 1 and are valid until the end of the season.
Posted February 27, 2011
2x4 For Relays
In a tremendous last effort, both men’s and women’s relay teams finished just out of the medals at the wrap up cross country event of the Canada Winter Games in Halifax.
The relays, always a highlight of the Canada Games, were intense, but unfortunately both teams came up a bit short of the podium.
The teams were hampered by illness, as a number of the skiers were suffering from various viruses picked up at the games. And when you are up against the best U23 skiers in the country, even a minor illness that shaves a few seconds off your times makes a huge difference.
In the end, it was the powerhouse Alberta team which has dominate the men’s competition, taking the gold for the men, while Yukon finished over a minute out of the medals.
On the women’s side, British Columbia took the gold, while Yukon was 40 seconds out of a podium spot. Overall, it was an extremely successful week for the team. Led by Emily Nishikawa, who single-handedly picked up three of Yukon’s five medals, the team had many top ten finishes in the face of very tough competition.
Nishikawa is the first Yukoner since Lucy Steele to win three medals in a Canada Games. Steele picked up three golds and a silver back in 1991 when she represented the territory at the PEI games.
The team now gets a chance to rest and recuperate as it prepares for the Haywood Ski Nationals, which kick off on March 11 in Canmore. ..
Posted February 25, 2011
TV Interview with Emily Nishikawa
As part of their Canada Winter Games coverage, TSN interviewed Whitehorse skier Emily Nishikawa. The interviewer was Olympic star Catriona Lemay Doan. To watch the interview, click here. The interview with Emily comes on about 3 minutes into the clip.
Posted February 24, 2011
Nish Goes 3 for 3 at CWG
Emily Nishikawa’s tally has now risen to three medals in three races at the Halifax Canada Winter Games.
Competing in the women’s 10 km mass start classic race, Nishikawa picked up the silver medal in today’s race, only 2 seconds out of first place. The gold medal was taken by Alysson Marshall from B.C. in a time of 29:32.
Nishikawa’s silver medal joins her gold from the free technique race and her bronze from the sprints earlier in the week.
Top male finisher for the day was David Greer, who finished in 8th position in the men’s 15 km classic race, just under two minutes out of first place. The men’s race featured an Alberta sweep as Jesse Cockney took top honours with a time of 37:03, followed closely by two of his teammates.
Other strong performances for the day on the women’s side came from Janelle Greer in 6th place, Dahria Beatty in 7th, Kendra Murray in 19th and Heidi Brook in 25th.
Rounding out the men’s field were Ray Sabo in 11th place, John Parry in 14th, Colin Abbott in 24th and Knute Johnsgaard in 25th.
On the sit-ski course, Ramesh Ferris was the top Yukoner with a 7th place finish in the 5 km race, followed by John Austring in 10th.
The last races on the schedule for the skiers are the relays, scheduled for Saturday.
Posted February 22, 2011
More Hardware for Nish at CWG
Emily Nishikawa added another medal to her haul at the Canada Winter Games today, this time a bronze she received in the women’s 1000 metre sprint competition.
It was a super day for the whole team, as the complete men’s and women’s contingents from Yukon advanced from the qualifiers to the quarter finals.
On the women’s side, only Nishikawa made it to the A final, while Dahria Beatty and Janelle Greer got to the B final and finished 8th and 10th respectively. Kendra Murray and Heidi Brook were eliminated in the quarter finals.
After a great start on the men’s side, the quarter finals proved disappointing as none of the Yukon contingent were able to advance to the semis.
On the sit-ski course, John Austring advanced to the semi-final and ended up in 8th place overall. Ramesh Ferris did not qualify for the quarter finals.
Races continue on Thursday with the mass start classic event on the schedule.
Posted February 21, 2011
Gold for Nish at CWG
Powerhouse Emily Nishikawa took gold in her first race at the Canada Winter Games.
Coming off a stellar performance at the Eastern Canadian Championships where she dominated the open women’s group, Nishikawa took the top spot in the 7.5 km free technique race. Ski conditions were reported to be fast, with Nishikawa stopping the clock in 19:37.
The victory was particularly sweet for Nishikawa; in the first race of the 2007 CWG in Whitehorse, she was denied a podium spot after a broken pole mid-way through the race put her out of contention.
The rest of the Yukon women’s side also turned in strong results, with Dahria Beatty coming in 7th, Janelle Greer 11th, Kendra Murray 18th and Heidi Brook finishing in 26th, all in the top half of the strong field.
In the men’s 10 km free technique race, Yukon’s top skier of the day was veteran David Greer, who finished in 11th place, 1:30 behind Alberta’s Kevin Sandau. He was followed closely by Colin Abbott (15th), John Parry (16th) and Knute Johnsgaard (22nd).
In the inaugural CWG sit-ski competition, John Austring and Ramesh Ferris finished in 7th and 8th positions.
Races continue on Tuesday with the always exciting sprint races.
Posted February 12, 2011
Hockey Day in Canada - Nordic Style
Check out the coverage of the ski club that was broadcast today on CBC's Hockey Day in Canada broadcast.
Our CBC friends came out and filmed our recent squads hockey tournament - watch the video by clicking here.
Posted February 7, 2011
CANSI Courses to be Offered
There will be a Level 1, 2 and 3 CANSI course offered in March. The course, originally scheduled for November and then postponed to December is set for March 9 to 14. On line registration is now available through the CANSI website.
The Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) provides training and certification for those who would like to become ski instructors. Level 1 certification will allow you to give beginner lessons. Currently certified Level 1 instructors are welcome to register for the Level 2 course which will run on the evenings of March 9 and 10 and all day on March 11, 12, 13 and 14. Level 3 runs concurrently with Level 2.
Karla Wikjord from the Pacific region CANSI will be the examiner for all courses. Mike Gladish will be an assistant course conductor.
If you are interested in any of these courses, please go to the CANSI website at www.cansi.ca The refresher course for Level 1 instructors will be free. Instructors must take a refresher course at least every three years, but even if your certification is only a year old, you are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity to practice skills. The refresher course will be held on Saturday, March 12. Email info@theskibase.ca for more information.
Posted Februay 7, 2009
Nishikawa Takes Silver at Westerns
In a tight finish, Graham Nishikawa narrowly missed taking the gold at the Western Canadian Cross Country Ski Championships in Kelowna over the weekend. He finished the weekend only 0.3 seconds out of the top position, just behind Drew Goldsack of the Rocky Mountain Racers club.
The Westerns used a three-race “mini-tour” format, consisting of a short distance classic technique prologue, a sprint race and a final longer distane distance free technique race with a staggered handicap start, so that the first across the line was the overall winner for the series. This concept is fairly new in Canada, and makes for exciting racing for athletes and spectators alike.
Skiing in heavy snow, Nishikawa started 15 seconds behind Goldsack and quickly caught up to him, then battled for the lead throughout the 15km race segment. However, Goldsack took the tape in a sprint finish.
In the Junior Female category, Dahria Beatty held on to take the bronze medal for the series, with Maya MacIsaac-Jones, also of the Rocky Mountain Racers taking the gold, just under a minute ahead of Beatty.
Almost 450 skiers competed at the Westerns, making this year’s edition one of the best attended ever, reflecting the large number of clubs located within driving distance of the Kelowna site. ..
January 2011
January 30, 2011
Weekend Race Results Yukoners Dominate at Orford
While some of their teammates were competing at various places around the world, a trio of Yukon skiers stayed home and stacked up the hardware at the Haywood NORAM races in Orford, Quebec on the weekend.
Graham Nishikawa, David Greer and Knute Johnsgaard competed in the three race series, known as a mini-tour (think of it as a shorter version of the Tour de France, but on skis). The tour consisted of a 4 km prologue on Friday, followed by a 7.5 km interval start classic technique race on Saturday and a 15 km free technique race on Sunday. Awards were presented based on the sum of the times clocked in the three races.
Nishikawa dominated the elite Senior Men’s category, crossing the line first in all three race segments and taking the overall title by a whopping 2:38.
Meanwhile, in the men’s U23 category, David Greer pulled off a similar feat, handily taking gold, almost a minute ahead of his nearest rival. Not far behind was Knute Johnsgaard, who pulled off the fastest times in the first two races in the Junior Men’s group, but narrowly lost the overall Junior title on the third day. He ultimately finished the tour in second place, just 0.3 seconds off the gold for the overall Junior title, but top of the heap in the JM1 sub-category.
Across the ocean in Estonia, Emily Nishikawa finished 22nd in the U23 World Championships sprint race on Saturday. She qualified 19th in the preliminary round, but faded in the quarter final heats and didn’t advance to the semis.
Then on Sunday, Janelle Greer, competing at the Junior World Championships in Estonia, finished 36th in a 10km pursuit race dominated once again by the powerhouse Norwegian team.
At the World University Games in Turkey on Saturday, Colin Abbott finished 18 seconds back of the leader in a sprint qualifier, but his time wasn’t good enough to move him into the heats. ..
Posted January 28, 2011
Greer Shines Again
Janelle Greer was the top Canadian female once again in the World Junior Cross Country Ski Championships.
Competing in the Junior Women’s 1.2 km classic sprint race, Janelle was one of two Canadian skiers to advance from the qualification round into the heats, but was knocked out in the quarterfinals.
At the end, she finished in 21st place, the top Canadian result for the day. German Lucia Anger picked up the win.
And competing today in his first race at the World University Games in Turkey, Colin Abbott finished 49th overall in a 10 km classic technique race.
Meanwhile, back in North America, brother David Greer picked up a pair of medals in the U.S. Supertour series this week. Competing in Lake Placid New York, David was awarded a silver medal in the U23 category in a 10 km classic technique race and a bronze in a 15 km skate race later in the week. The Supertour field was huge, with over 200 men contending for honours in the open category each day.
Posted January 27, 2011
Yukoners Continue to Shine
For the second day in a row, a Yukoner topped the Canadian female contingent racing at the World Junior and U23 Cross Country Ski Championships in Estonia.
Leading the Canadian contingent in the Under 23 category was Emily Nishikawa, a veteran Yukon Ski Team member. She finished the 10 km free technique course in 28:41, good for 16th place overall and only 14 seconds behind Hanna Brodin of Sweden, a top 10 sprinter on the World Cup circuit. This is a great result for Nishikawa, who has been suffering from a shoulder injury for much of the season.
Topping the field in Thursday’s race was Finnish skier Krista Lahteenmaki, who finished an astonishing full minute ahead of the second place skier. Lahteenmaki had to miss s out last week’s World Cup due to high haemoglobin levels.
The race was skied in cold conditions, with temperatures barely above the legal -20..
Competition continues on Friday with a classic technique sprint race.
..
Posted January 26, 2011
Greer Top Canadian in Estonia
Janelle Greer was the top Canadian female in day 1 of the World Junior Cross Country Ski Championships today.
Competing in Otepaa, Estonia, Greer finished 35th overall in a field of 87 of the best junior skiers in the world.
Greer, who trains full time in Canmore, is a member of the national Canadian Junior team as well as the Yukon Ski Team. Greer finished the tough 5 km course in a time of 15:06, 1:16 behind the winner.
The race, an interval start skating event, was dominated by the powerhouse Norwegian team, who took the top five spots in the race. Canada had four skiers competing in today’s event, with three of the four finishing in the top 50 of the field.
Competition continues on Thursday with the first race of the Under 23 competition. Whitehorse’s Emily Nishikawa will be on the start line as one of four women representing Canada in this group. ..
Posted January 13, 2011
Avalanche Awareness Day - January 15 at Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club
The Yukon Avalanche Association, Parks Canada and the Canadian Ski Patrol will parter with the Canadian Avalanche Centre to host an avalanche awareness day on January 15th at the Mt. McIntyre Stadium. Please stop by the avalanche booth at the Canada Games Centre from 12:00 to 3:00 PM and the beacon park set up in the cross country ski stadium from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Try out different beacons, learn to use the new digital technology, challenge yourself to find multiple beacons, see if your beacon is still functioning and learn the difference between the technology of a "spot" , PLB and avalanche beacon. Meet Bodi the Yukon's Avalanche Rescue Dog and watch his search demo on the hour from 1 to 3 and hang out with the Parks Canada Mascot Beaver!
For more information check avalanche.ca or yukonavalanche.ca
Posted January 10, 2011
Local Skiers to Represent Canada at Worlds
Two young Whitehorse skiers have been named to the team heading off to Otepaa, Estonia for the 2011 World Junior and U23 Championships.
Emily Nishikawa will be competing in the under-23 category, while Janelle Greer will be competing as a Junior.
The two skiers are both old hands at international competition. Nishikawa represented Canada at the 2010 World U23 Championships, while Greer was a member of the Canadian team competing at the Junior Worlds in 2009.
“Representing your country at a world Championship event is a huge accomplishment for any skier” noted Cross Country Yukon head coach Alain Masson. “This is a great endorsement of two fine athletes.”
Cross Country Canada made the team selection based on race results in the recent three race Haywood NORAM held in Thunder Bay.
The World Championships are composed of 5 races for both men and women and run from January 25th through the 31st.
Posted January 9, 2011
Mixed Results for Yukon at T-Bay NORAMS
Fighting cold windy conditions and some illness among the team, Yukon skiers turned in a mix of good and heartbreaking performances at the intensely competitive three race Haywood NORAM series held in Thunder Bay over the past few days.
The series started off with a pursuit race last Thursday. The format, which mixes both classic and skate techniques, was skied in barely legal -18 temperatures with strong winds that had skiers suffering throughout the day.
In a heartbreaking finish after 30 km of jockeying for position, Graham Nishikawa was narrowly outsprinted by national team member George Grey to come second in the senior men’s race. The gap between the pair was only 0.4 seconds, tantalizingly close, but disappointing all the same for Nishikawa.
Meanwhile, in the senior women’s field, the top Yukoner for the day was Emily NIshikawa, who finished 5th overall. However, she was the top U23 athlete, a placing that almost certainly gives her the nod to represent Canada at the World U23 Championships to be held at the end of the month in Estonia. Representing Canada at the World’s has been Emily’s goal for the season and making the grade in the first race of the qualification was a considerable relief for her, especially as she has been plagued with a shoulder injury for much of the season.
Next up in the T-Bay series was a classic sprint race on Saturday. And once again a heartbreaker for a Yukoner. This time it was Janelle Greer, competing in the Junior Women’s category, who was outsprinted to the line. It took a photo finish to separate her from Heidi Widmer from the Foothills Ski Club, but Widmer got the nod for the gold from the jury.
Other strong results for the sprints were Emily Nishikawa (4th Senior Woman, 2nd U23), Graham Nishikawa (4th Senior Man) and Knute Johnsgaard (4th Junior Male).
The final race, once again skied in cold conditions, was a distance free technique race on Sunday. Once again, it was Graham Nishikawa narrowly missing out on the top step of the podium as George Grey took the honours in the 15 km race, beating Nishikawa by 5 seconds. Also in the Open Men’s race, David Greer had a strong finish with a 5th place result. He was the second U23 male, which may also give him a chance at the Canadian team for the Worlds.
The full Canadian team is expected to be named in the next few days by Cross Country Canada.
December 2010
Posted December 30, 2010
Sprinters Shine at GMLC Ski Race
Over twenty young cross country skiers braved -15C, cold winds and blowing snow at Thursday's classic sprint race. The Grey Mountain Lion's Club sponsored event featured three rounds of a 900m course at Whitehorse Country Ski Club.
Temperatures warmed up just enough to successfully stage the first race of the month, after three races had to be cancelled in earlier weeks due to cold temperatures.
The club’s groomers worked hard the preceding 24 hours to provide the best conditions possible under difficult circumstances.
The top men for the day were David Greer followed closely by Colin Abbott and Knute Johnsgaard. In the women's race Emily Nishikawa edged out Dahria Beatty in the last few metres, followed by Kendra Murray who took third place.
The races gave the skiers some much needed competition as they prepare for the next in the elite NORAM race series in Thunder Bay next week. These races will double as selection races for the Canadian team being sent to the World Junior and U23 championships being held in Estonia in late January.
The next race in the Grey Mountain Lion's Club series will be a free technique distance race in mid-January and will be hosted by Biathlon Yukon. ..
Posted December 12, 2010
Yukoners Rise to the Top at NORAMS
Whitehorse skiers started the national competition year with consistent strong performances over the weekend as they hit the snowy trails in the first NORAM races of the season at the Sovereign Lakes Nordic Club in southern B.C.
The first race of the season outside of the territory for the team was a classic sprint, run over a tough hilly course on Saturday. Consistency was the name of the game as seven Yukon Ski Team members hit top 6 results in their categories.
Stars for the day were Junior Female skiers Janelle Greer and Dahria Beatty, who finished first and second in their category. Graham Nishikawa was also on the podium, picking up a silver medal in the open men’s race, while David Greer, not normally known as a sprinter, narrowly missed the podium, picking up a 5th place finish.
Meanwhile, other Whitehorse skiers advancing to the final rounds in the sprint heats were Jeff Wood and Knute Johnsgaard, who finished 4th and 5th respectively in the Junior Male group and Katie Peters and Holly Bull who finished 5th and 12th respectively in the Junior Girls category.
This was an amazing day for Yukoners, who are generally better known as distance racers rather than sprinters.
On Sunday, the skiers competed in a free technique distance race.
The weather turned on both athletes and organizers, with heavy wet snow accumulating overnight and continuing through the race, making the hill courses soft and slow and limiting visibility. Top result for the day was Graham Nishikawa, who hit the podium once again as the first Canadian across the line and second overall behind Lars Flora of the U.S in the Open Men’s 15 km race. Nishikawa’s silver was matched by Katie Peters who tied for second in the Junior Girls 5 km race.
Peters consistent high placing over the weekend also gave her the nod for the aggregate award in her age group.
Posted December 6, 2010
Don Sumanik Trophies Awarded
The 29th running of the Don Sumanik Memorial Race Series took place over the past two weekends. The free-style race took place on Nov 27, and the classic race on Dec 4. Both races were held in unseasonably warm temperatures, much to the skiers’ delight, and with plenty of fresh snow underfoot. The grooming, timing, and organizational volunteers outdid themselves once again and put on a great race. 32 skiers came out for the free-style race and 82 for the classic race.
For the classic race held this last weekend, Trevor Bray (15) and Adrienne Hynes (15) posted the fastest juvenile category times on a 7.5km course, while Caelan McLean (13) and Natalie Hynes (12) in the midget categories aced the 3.75km course to demonstrate that they are up-and-coming athletes.
The Don Sumanik trophies are awarded each year to the male and female skiers with the fastest overall time for the free-style and classic races. This year, Elsie Sumanik presented the trophies to Dahria Beatty and Fabian Brook. These young athletes also each took home $50 cash prizes.
The chief of Race, Erik Blake, would like to thank all the volunteers whose efforts made the races possible, and of course the skiers who took part...
November 2010
Posted November 27, 2010
Club Members Honoured by Sport Yukon
Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club members came away with some top honours at the annual Sport Yukon Awards Night, held at the Westmark Hotel on November 26.
Topping the list were Dahria Beatty and Knute Johnsgaard, who were named National Female and Male Athletes of the year respectively, quite a major accomplishment when you consider the strong performances by territorial athletes in many other sports. And, on the administrative side of the house, Susan Tinevez was named Administrator of the year.
Beatty and Johnsgaard had incredibly strong showings at a number of races across the country last season, but were particularly notable in their superb performances at the Haywood Ski Nationals held on their home turf in March. Tinevez was honoured because of her long service to skiing and her strong leadership managing the race office at the Haywood Nationals, which impressed athletes, coaches and official from across the country.
A long list of skiers received other honours.
Receiving Government of Yukon Awards of Excellence, based on their medal performances at national and international events were Janelle Greer, Jeff Wood, Dahria Beatty, Colin Abbott and Knute Johnsgaard.
In the Active Member Awards category, Tom Fairman was named Trailworker of the Year, Beth Hawkings was named Club Event Volunteer of the Year, Angela Sabo was Skier of the Year and Susan Tinevez was Administrator of the year. All were honoured by the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club.
Also in the Active Member Awards category, Cross Country Yukon named Jean-Francois Blouin and Carolyn Coombs its Male and Female Coaches of the Year and Katie Peters as the Most Improved Athlete of the Year.
Congratulations to a stellar crew! ..
Posted November 26, 2010
Christmas Day Pass Booklets On Sale December 1
Buy a stocking stuffer for friends and family or get yourself a deal on day passes. The Christmas Day Pass booklets will be available at The Ski Base from December 1 to December 24. There are 5 day passes in each booklet for a cost of $50.00. Seniors/youth/student booklets are $25.00. Family booklets have 3 passes for $60.00.
The Christmas Passes are sold only during December but they are valid until the end of the current ski season.
Posted November 14, 2010
New Trail Map Now On Line
The ski club trail map was revised and printed in September and is now available on line.
Thanks to Allan Frostad for updating the map and to our map advertisers: Kobayashi + Zedda, Icycle Sport, Northwestel, Alpine Bakery, Coast Mountain Sports, Chocolate Claim, The Ski Base, and Lotteries Yukon.
A new feature has been added to the trail map. Several First Aid supply caches are now located on the trail system and the locations are marked on the trail map with a red cross. Please note the locations and be aware that there is a first aid kit and items to treat and prevent hypothermia.
Posted November 10, 2010
CANSI Level 1 Course Rescheduled to December 11 and 12
The Level 1 CANSI Instructor course, scheduled for November 20 and 21 has been rescheduled to December 11 and 12. For more information call The Ski Base, or visit the CANSI website. Registration is on line only. Early deadline is November 28.
October 2010
Posted October 14, 2010
Ski Club Pleased with City Plan
The City of Whitehorse finally adopted its new Official Community Plan this week. The Plan, which will guide future development in the city for the next 15-20 years, includes four new city parks and recognizes the Mt. Mac cross-country ski trails as a non-motorized recreation area within the larger McIntyre Creek Park.
“The Whitehorse Cross-Country Ski Club is delighted that the City has recognized the value of our extensive trail system”, said Claude Chabot, Executive Director of the ski club. “By protecting it from incompatible uses and development, the city is wisely preserving this highly valued recreational area for future residents and visitors”.
The city has classified the trail network as a “Recreation Area” within the broader “McIntyre Creek Park”, and the Official Plan specifies that there will be strict limits on motorized use of this area. “We look forward to working with the city on zoning regulations for the Mt. Mac Recreation Area that meet the needs of the ski club and other responsible users, while protecting the wilderness that draws people to the trails”, added Chabot.
The club is also pleased that new Plan includes a clause stating that the city may ask the Yukon Government to place a moratorium on future mineral staking within city limits. “Most of the land on which the trails are situated is currently staked”, said Chabot, “and this has raised concerns among club members about the possible impact of mineral exploration activity on the trails. A moratorium would at least stop additional staking in the recreation area.” ..
CANSI 1 Refresher and Instructor Courses
Attention all CANSI Level 1 instructors and potential instructors! There will be a Level 1 Refresher course combined with a Level 1 Instructor course on November 20 and 21, 2010.
There is also a chance that we could run a combined Level 2 and 3 course if there is enough demand. It would be a five day course running concurrently with the Level 1 and 2 course and would either run Nov 17 to 21 or Nov 20 to 24.
Karla Wikjord from the Pacific region CANSI will be the examiner for all courses. Mike Gladish will be an assistant course conductor.
If you are interested in any of these courses, please contact The Ski Base as soon as possible. A commitment is not needed until October 31, but we would like to know if there is any interest so that we can begin planning.
The refresher course for Level 1 instructors will be free. Instructors must take a refresher course at least every three years, but even if your certification is only a year old, you are welcome to take advantage of this opportunity to practice skills. The refresher course will be held on Saturday, November 20.
To pre-register please call 668-4477 and indicate which CANSI instructor level you are interested in. Or email info@theskibase.ca
September 2010
Posted September 30, 2010
New Board Selected
A new board was elected at the Club's AGM on September 29. Following the new streamlined board structure, the board composition is:
President: Tom Ullyet
Vice President: Sue Meikle
Secretary: Lorna Hutchinson
Treasurer: Ian Robinson
Directors: Anne Kennedy, Pippa Lawson, Craig Thur
Past President: Bill Curtis
Posted September 30, 2010
Monique Waterreus Award Winner Announced
Dahria Beatty was awarded the presitigious Monique Waterreus award at the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club AGM on September 29th.
The award is given annually to a junior skier in the club who has excelled at national or international competition, and Beatty certainly fits the bill.
She represented Canada at the World Junior Championships in January, holding her own against athletes from around the world, despite being one of the youngest in the field.
Then she won the Junior Women's Aggregate title at the 2010 Haywood Ski Nationals. In between, there were a host of stellar performances at local and national races.
Finally, topping off a stellar season, she was named to the Canadian National Junior Ski Team, joining two of her fellow Whitehorse teammates.
August 2010
Posted August 30, 2010
Ski Swap Dates
The ski club's annual ski swap and winter fair will be held on Saturday, October 16th at the Mt Mac rec centre. This is your chance to get rid of all that winter gear, or to collect more! All kinds of winter gear bought and sold. For more info, contact the ski club info@xcskiwhitehorse.ca.
Mike Gladish on Vacation.....
Mike Gladish, the club's operations manager, is off on an extended, and well earned, vacation. He'll be away until early November. In the meantime, Mike Kramer will be taking over day to day operations duties.
Posted August 19, 2010
Cross Country Canada Recognizes Whitehorse Volunteers
Cross Country Canada, the national sport governing body for cross country skiing, has named two Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club members as its Volunteers of the Year.
Joan Stanton and Claude Chabot were jointly honoured for their long and continuing contribution to cross country skiing in Canada at the recent Cross Country Canada Annual General Meeting, held in Newfoundland. The two are long-standing volunteers and have had significant impact on the sport both locally and nationally.
Stanton headed the event committee for the Northwestel Westerns in 2006, while Chabot was the chief of competition for the races, roles they repeated at the recent 2010 Haywood Ski Nationals, an event that received rave reviews from athletes across the country.
The 2010 Ski Nationals attracted over 400 elite skiers from across the country for 8 days of intense competition, and generated over $750,000 in economic benefit for the territory. The event was over two years in the planning and kept over 200 volunteers hopping.
Stanton and Chabot also had major roles in the 2007 Canada Games and have been associated with many other local and regional events and volunteer organizations.
Claude organized all of the technical aspects of the event and recruited over 150 volunteers who made this event one of the best organized National Championships ever. Claude also spent 2 weeks earlier in the year volunteering as an official at the Winter Olympics. This may have been one of the best opportunities ever for a volunteer official from Whitehorse.
Joan organized many of the special events that enhanced the experience that most of the visitors to Whitehorse had while attending the national championships. Along with more than 50 volunteers, Joan orchestrated the Friends & Family reception at the McBride Museum, with a display of Yukon Cross Country history, the Athletes Dinner at Yukon College, and a Volunteer Appreciation night at Coast Mountain Sports. She capped off the week with the ‘Nash Bash’ an athlete party that far surpassed the traditional banquets of previous years.
Both Claude and Joan are exceptional volunteers, who were able to recuit, train, inspire and support the hundreds of volunteers who made this a memorable event for all who participated.
Posted August 7, 2010
ProShop and Programs Manager Required at The Ski Base
The Ski Base, a small and very busy pro shop that offers services to the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club’s 1300 members and 2000 day users, requires a manager for the 2010/2011 season.
The ideal candidate would be a keen skier with training or education in the sport and recreation field who is:
• confident and courteous
• certified Level 1 CANSI instructor or equivalent such as NCCP
• certified in basic first aid CPR ‘C’
• flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends,
And has experience with: MS Office; financial transactions and reconciliation of daily sales; waxing; and equipment selection and fitting.
The Ski Base manager will coordinate the Jackrabbit and Snowfun programs, assist with staff scheduling, inventory control and ordering, and provide lessons for beginner skiers.
Wages are negotiable, depending on experience and qualifications but will be a minimum of $16 per hour. The position will be at least ½ time and could be full time, depending on qualifications and wage demands. Must be available by August 25.
For more information contact: manager@theskibase.ca or phone 668-4477 and leave a message.
Posted August 2, 2010
Constitutional Amendment Proposed
At the September 29th AGM, club members will be asked to approve a constitutional amendment. The proposed amendment changes the club’s board composition by:
• Reducing the number of board members from ten to eight members
• Eliminating the specific positions of directors in charge of: Communications, Facilities, Programs and Volunteers and replacing them with two Directors at Large (to make a total of three Directors at Large).
This move is the next step in the general evolution of the club’s governance structure. The board’s focus will be policy matters while day to day operation of the club will be delegated to the Executive Director and the Operations Manager.
This restructuring is one of the recommendations from the strategic evaluation done several years ago by the Outside the Cube consulting group.
The proposed amendment is as follows:
Article 4 a of the WCCSC constitution shall be repealed and replaced with the following Article 4 a. All other articles (including Articles 4 b through 4 p) shall remain unchanged.
ARTICLE 4 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
a. The Board of Directors shall consist of an executive of the society and directors. The executive shall consist of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary all of whom shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting, three (3) Directors who shall be also be elected at the Annual General Meeting, and the Past President. .
Posted August 2, 2010
Janet Duncan Rejoins Club Staff
Longtime member Janet Duncan has rejointed the ski club's staff. She has taken over book keeping duties from Heather Stevely, who is taking a well deserved break. Janet is a familiar face around the club and filled the same role a few years ago.
July 2010
Posted July 11, 2010
More National Recognition for Whitehorse Juniors
Knute Johnsgaard, Janelle Greer and Dahria Beatty will be receiving financial support from the National Cross-Country Ski Development Association (NCCSDA) this coming season. The three, all of whom are members of the National Junior Team, are among a group of eleven elite junior and U23 athletes from across the country to receive support from the association.
In addition, the association will be helping Cross Country Yukon with its coaching program by providing funding for an assistant coach position.
The NCCSDA was established to aid coaches, athletes and competitive racing programs in Canada, with the long-term goal of boosting Canada’s hopes to be increasingly competitive at the international level.
Posted July 3, 2010
2010 AGM Date Announced
The Ski Club will be holding its annual general meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday September 29 in the Curling Club lounge.
All present and future members are invited to join us to hear reports on the last seaon’s activities, elect board members for the coming season and deal with other business issues. .
June 2010
Ed Schiffkorn, A Club Pioneer
The ski community lost one of it's 'pioneers' last week. Ed Schiffkorn was a key figure in the early years of downhill and cross country skiing in Whitehorse. He was a downhill skier and participated in the Canada Winter Games in the 60's. He was instrumental in the development of downhilll skiing at Haekel Hill in the 70's. The following was borrowed from the Sport Hall of Fame.
Ed was inducted to the Hall of Fame for his contribution as an athlete, coach and builder of alpine skiing and for his contributions to cross-country skiing as a volunteer and builder.
Ed was born in Austria in 1938 and spent his youth alpine racing in Europe before he moved to the Yukon in 1959. From 1959 to 1970 Ed raced with the Yukon Ski Team, attended the International Airline races in Alaska five years in a row, and skied at several Canada Games. Ed also coached the Whitehorse Alpine Ski Club from 1959 to 1975 and coached Yukon teams to three Canada Games. From 1966 to 1972 he was the Alpine Chair of the Yukon Ski Zone. He also volunteered to build the Heckel Hill ski facility.
Ed also became involved in cross-country skiing in 1971. He began as a weekend timer and by 1974 he was assisting with the organization of the Canadian Junior Championships in Whitehorse. In following years he volunteered as Finish Referee (1975 Canada Winter Games), Assistant Technical Delegate (1977 Canadian Senior Championships), Chief of Race (1980 Canadian Junior Nationals), Chief of Race (1981 World Cup and North American Championships), Technical Delegate (1982 Nor-Am Race), Chief of Race (1986 Canadian Junior Nationals) and Chief of Race for several other local races. From 1977 to 1981, Ed served as the Cross-Country Chair for the Yukon Ski Zone and was responsible for the technical aspect of the sport. Ed also took two months off from work to devote himself full time to the 1981 World Cup.
The Schiffkorn family has established a fund in Ed's memory, to raise money for the Marsh Lake Emergency Services Society, for purchasing life saving equipment. Contributions to the fund may be made care of Leona Watson, Treasurer, P.O. Box 419, 108 Elliot Street, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 6C4.
Posted June 6, 2010
Knutson and Hynes Leaving Whitehorse
The ski club is losing two valuable members.
Current board member Doug Knutson will be moving to Norway to pursue a Masters degree, and former board member Derrick Hynes will be re-locating to Ottawa to take on a new position with the Conference Board of Canada.
Club President Tom Ullyett noted that “the board is going to miss the valuable contributions that these two members have made to the ski club over the years. We’re going to miss them and we want to take the opportunity to wish them all the best in their new endeavours.”
Elections to fill board positions will be held at the club’s AGM in September. If you are interested in running for a position, contact Claude Chabot ed@xcskiwhitehorse.ca
May 2010
Posted May 18, 2010
Sport Chair Wanted for AWG
The 2012 AWG host society is looking for a Sport Chair for Cross Country. The Sport Chair works with the host society to make sure cross country fits in with the overall event, that skiers needs are met and acts as the liaison between cross country (ski club board and the chief of competition) and the host society. To discuss further, contact Claude Chabot ed@xcskiwhitehorse.ca.
Posted May 18,2010
Beatty and Abbot Named Top North Americans by Ski Trax
Dharia Beatty and Colin Abbot have joined the ranks of notables like Devon Kershaw in a recent reader poll conducted by Ski Trax magazine.
Beatty has been named Top North American Overall Junior Woman skier by Ski Trax magazine. She shares the honours with Heidi Widmer from Alberta.
And Colin Abbot was named Best Overall Collegiate Skier.
Posted May 13, 2010
Local Skiers Named to National Female Talent Squad
Honours continue rolling in for our talented Whitehorse skiers.
Janelle Greer, Heidi Brook, Kendra Murray and Dahria Beatty have been named to the newly created national female talent squad.
Whitehorse is the only club in the country to have four skiers named to the squad.
Posted May 12, 2010
Ski Nationals Boost Local Economy
In an analysis recently completed by the Yukon Convention Bureau, hosting the recent Haywood Ski Nationals provided a boost to the local economy of over $768,000.
The national cross country ski championship, organized by the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club, attracted 412 elite athletes from across the country, including ski celebrities like Olympic gold medallist Chandra Crawford. The athletes were accompanied by over 80 coaches and support staff and about 75 parents and fans.
“It was great to see such superb racing on our trails,” noted Claude Chabot, chief of competition for the races. “This level of competition is inspiring, whether you’re a recreational skier or an aspiring Olympian. And to see a positive payback for the community adds a layer of icing to the cake and helps make all of our efforts worthwhile.”
About 250 volunteers were involved in organizing the March event, which included five days of racing plus a number of other activities. The races showcased the world class trail system at Mt McIntyre plus gave athletes a chance to see local highlights like the Canada Games Centre and Yukon College. Most skiers and coaches involved in the event stayed for 10 days or more in the city, giving them lots of time to experience local hospitality.
Tammie Hennigar, Managing Director of the Yukon Convention Bureau, said that “hosting major sporting events like the Haywood Ski Nationals is great for the territory, especially when you consider that March is a slow period for tourism. Events like this provide a great boost for the whole economy, from hotels to airlines to local restaurant and retail businesses. We look forward to hosting more of this type of event in future.”
Marketing the territory as a destination for sports groups hosting events has been identified as a priority in the Yukon Government’s strategic plan, a scheme the City of Whitehorse also endorses.
Whitehorse Club Junior Skiers Named to National Team
Janelle Greer, Knute Johnsgaard and Dahria Beatty have been named to the National Junior Team. For more details check the Cross Country Canada website.
Other club skiers are also training at a National level. David Greer and Graham Nishikawa have been selected to train at the Pierre Harvey National Development Centre. Knute Johnsgaard will also have the opportunity to train with David and Graham.
For more national news and an excellent article by Colin Abbott go to the Cross Country Canada website.
Posted May 4, 2010
Cross Country Yukon Annual General Meeting
The Cross Country Yukon AGM will be held on Saturday May 29, 2010 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Canada Games Centre Boardroom. A light breakfast will be provided.
There will be a vote on a change to the CCY bylaws regarding the definition of membership and election of officers.
There will also be a review of the Annual Financial statements and an opportunity for affiliate clubs to provide recommendations.
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April 2010
Posted April 20, 2010
Lockers!
It's time to clean out ski lockers and changeroom lockers. All contents should be removed before April 30, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.
It's important that all lockers are cleaned out. There have been a few pairs of skis and poles missing all winter and they may have been mistakenly stored in a locker. They may turn up when lockers are cleaned out.
For next season, current locker occupants are given first right of refusal on their locker. Fees may be paid by mailing a cheque any time after August 1. Or, fees may be paid by cash or credit and debit card after September 15, when The Ski Base opens for the season. Locker fees are due by October 31.
There will be a $10 surcharge on lockers renewed after October 31. Lockers not renewed by November 15 will be made available on a first come, first served basis. There will be no exceptions made in the new season.
Inquiries may be emailed to manager@xcskiwhitehorse.ca
Posted April 18, 2010
Memorial for Honza Galac
As many of you know, Jan “Honza” Galac died tragically in an avalanche that occurred in Kluane National Park on April 11th, 2010. He was 29 years old.
Friends of Honza are invited to contribute to a fund that has been created by local Whitehorse friends, to assist his family financially at this difficult time.
Donations may be made to the “Honza Galac Trust Fund” that has been set up at the Scotiabank in Whitehorse: (Account Number: 70920 002 0380687).
To celebrate Honza's life, a memorial service is being planned for Friday, April 23, 2010.
The service will be held in the Grey Mountain Room at Mt McIntyre, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
There will be a slide show and depending on conditions, there will be time for a walk or ski on the trails.
An online forum has been set up for those wishing to post photos, etc. Search for the Facebook Group under the name: Jan "Honza" Galac Memorial
Ski Club's Submission to City Regarding the OCP
The ski club board submitted comments to the city regarding the Official Community Plan. To see the contents of the submission go the the Future of the Trails page.
Posted April 13, 2010
Skiing and Housekeeping in April!
Skiing is good but the Wax Room hours are being shortened so check before leaving for a ski.Refer to Hours of Operation for updates.
All lockers must be cleaned out by April 30. Please don't leave it to the last minute. When cleaning out lockers, check for equipment that is not yours. There have been skis and poles missing all winter and the owners would appreciate it if you take the time to check equipment. Any equipment that is not yours should be dropped off at the Ski Base.
If you plan to put travel/storage wax on your skis, consider the following:
- use a warm weather glider such as yellow or use up old glide waxes
- do not scrape the glide wax - leave it as is until next fall
- allow plenty of time for wax application - please do not start waxing within 1/2 hour of closing time
- there will be no hot waxing available after April 30
March 2010
Posted March 24, 2010
Haywood Nationals Are Over!
Thanks to the visiting skiers, volunteers, sponsors and to the City of Whitehorse and Yukon Government for taking part in this fabulous event. Go to photographs or results or the Nationals website for more information.
Posted March 9, 2010
New Executive Director For WCCSC!
The Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club is pleased to announce an exciting new addition to our management team. Following a comprehensive hiring process, Claude Chabot has agreed to become the new Executive Director at the club, effective April 1, 2010 (until September 30, 2010).
As communicated to members last month, this part-time position has been created to relieve some of the pressures faced by our long-time Manager, Mike Gladish (and the excellent team he has assembled).
As Executive Director, Claude will focus on financial management, strategic planning and projects, and strategic communications. As Operations Manager, Mike will continue to administer all club operations, facilities and programs. Both positions will report to the President, Tom Ullyett.
This new Executive Director position is an interim step towards our overall goal of modernizing our business model at the club. As we have continued to grow over the past number of years, it has become clear that our current model is not sustainable. The board hopes that this change will help us in charting a new path for the future.
Club members are encouraged to contact any of the board representatives for more information or to discuss current and future restructuring changes and options.
For information about the Business and Governance Model Review and other Administrative information scroll down to the bottom of the home page.
Fast and Female 2010 Annual Ski Festival
The registration for the 2010 Fast and Female presented by Best Buy’s Annual Ski Festival 
on Monday, March 15, 2010 in Whitehorse, Yukon is now OPEN.
To register for this event, please visit: http://fastandfemale.imworks.biz/default.asp?lang=&mode=eventdetails&id=38
Founded in 2005 by Olympic Gold Medalist in Cross-Country Skiing, Chandra Crawford, Fast and Female presented by Best Buy delivers fun-filled initiatives for female youth between the ages of 9 to 19 years old. The 2010 Annual Ski Festival will be led by Chandra Crawford and her teammates, and is held in collaboration with the Whitehorse Cross-country Ski Club and Cross-Country Yukon. This event is held in conjunction with Cross-Country Skiing National Championships and will involve some of Canada’s elite athletes inspiring the future generation of skiers.
Registration deadline is March 11, 2010.
Posted March 1, 2010
Haywood Nationals Update
There is a volunteer reception on March 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 in the Grey Mountain Room at Mt Mac. Refreshments provided. The volunteer jackets will be given out then. Volunteers are enouraged to attend.
Natonals race days are: Sunday, March 14, Tuesday, March 16, Wednesday, March 17, Friday, March 19, Sunday, March 21.
Recreational skiers will be able to ski at all times during the event. There will be some restricted access to the Wax Room and the trails near the chalet. The trailhead at the Dog Parking area will always be open. Leashes must be used in the parking area to prevent dogs from running onto the race course which will be on Ketza Connector some days.
The Wax Room will be open daily, but access may be restricted on race days between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Wax Room will close at 9:00 p.m. on weekdays.
For more information and to register for Nationals races visit the website.
Posted March 1, 2010
Yukon Skier Competes at Para Nordics in Canmore
A good weekend of learning and racing for Ramesh Ferris who was the first ever Yukon skier to take part in the Para Nordic Nationals held this past weekend in Canmore, Alberta.
Ramesh has only starting sit-skiing in November and this past weekend was the first time he has ever raced. Participating in 2 races this weekend, he came first in Sunday’s 2.5 km distance in the development category. Ramesh was five minutes back from the overall winner, Russian Sergey Shilov, who will be heading to the Para-Olympics this month.
Having spent time with top para-nordic athletes and coaches, Ramesh is excited to start implementing the advice and tips they had to offer.
Ramesh believes “It's essential that Sport and Recreation is accessible for everyone, my participation at the Para-Nordic Nationals is a testament to this. Thank-you so much to Cross Country Yukon for giving me the opportunity.”
February 2010
Posted February 22, 2010
Ferris to Represent Yukon at National Para Nordic Championships
Ramesh Ferris has been chosen to represent the Yukon in the Para Nordic Nationals in Canmore, Alberta. He’ll be competing in two back to back 2.5 km sit-ski races on February 27 and 28 as a development athlete.
The National para-nordic championships will bring together the best para-nordic athletes in the country, along with elite athletes from Russia and the U.S. who will be using the races as a tune-up for the Vancouver Paralympic Games in March.
Hosted by the Canmore Nordic Club, the Para Nationals are expected to attract around 50 athletes.
Ferris, best known for his 7,100 km Cycle to Walk journey across Canada last summer, had never been on a sit-ski before November. The 28 year old is looking forward to working with other para nordic athletes and coaches and will use the competition as an opportunity to pick up tips to help his skiing.
This will be the first time ever that Cross Country Yukon has sent an athlete to the national para championships.
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Posted February 20, 2010
Ski Club's Position Regarding the Official Community Plan
The ski club is delighted with the new draft Official Community Plan (OCP) released by the city of Whitehorse last week. There is a proposal for a new non-motorized city park/recreation area comprising most of our trail network (all but privately owned lands at the north and south ends). Intended to offer stronger long term protection for the Mt.McIntyre Recreation Area as well as McIntyre Creek, this proposal (#38, 39 and 40) is deserving of strong member support.
Also very positive is the city's tentative proposal (#2) to ask YG to place a moratorium on future mineral staking within city limits. WCCSC will urge the city to move forward with this proposal (ie: change "may" to "will").
One item that will need clarification is proposal #49 - to grant ATCO's request for a
redesignation of its lands comprising the Pierre Harvey trails and a good chunk of the 10K to "Country Residential". Correspondingly, the ATCO land does not form part of the proposed Mt. McIntyre park/recreation area. Nor do Crown grant lands on the Copper Haul Road at the south end of our trail network. We are approaching ATCO now in a cooperative spirit with the goal of achieving a mutually beneficial outcome with respect to this land. Note that the 'WCCSC' does not object to the re-designation of Raven's Ridge Phase II land to "Country Residential". We have already re-routed our trails around that planned development.
Ski club members are encouraged to send in their comments on the new OCP proposals to the city by the March 8th deadline.
For more details go to Future of the Ski Trails page.
Posted February 19, 2010
Is it Chalet to Chalet or Hut to Hut?!
There are two events happening on Saturday, February 27. The Chalet to Chalet is a very informal 'Gather and Go' ski tour from Mt Mac to Mt Sima. More details below.
The Hut to Hut is a new event that will encourage a social ski to 2 or three of the club's huts. There will be a host group at each hut providing hot drinks and snacks. Skiers who visit two or three huts will receive a pizza voucher from Pizza Hut, our sponsor. Thanks to Pizza Hut and to our hosts: The Geezers, The Ski Club Executive, and the Steele-Masson families.
Register for the Hut to Hut between 10:00 a.m. and noon on February 27 and collect your stamp card. Ski between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., visiting each of the huts. The host group will stamp you card. Then drop off your crd at the Wax Room and receive your Pizza Hut voucher.
Cost $2 per person. For more info contact the Ski Base.
Now, the Chalet to Chalet event. Meet at the Wax Room at 10:30 a.m. on February 27 to plan the vehicle shuttle. Skiers will depart at 11:15 and will ski out Copper Trail to the Copper Haul Road. They will ski along the Haul Road to Mt Sima.
The Klondike Snowmobile Association has offered to groom the Haul Road between the Descent Trail and the Sima Road so it should be in good condition. There will be at least one ski patroller on the tour. Mt Sima is offering a discounted lunch for all Mt Mac skiers who to the Chalet to Chalet.
For more info contact Jeanne Burke.
Score "O" on Tuesday, February 23 at 5:00 p.m.
The ski club is hosting a Score 'O' event and pizza supper on Tuesday, February 23. Thanks to the Yukon Orienteering Association for their support. The event will start at 5:00 p.m. for squad skiers or 5:30 p.m. for others who can't make the earlier start.
Score O is an event that requires skiers to find as many control points as possible, with a one hour time limit. There are time penalties for going over the one hour limit.
Controls will be located within 3 kilometers of the Wax Room and will be shown on a map. The goal is to find the controls, punch the card and return to the Wax Room with as many punches as possible.
This event will overlap with some of the Manager's Challenge controls so make sure you know where you are on the map and identify the control according to the number on the control.
There will be pizza and juice following the event. Pizza will be sold by the slice.
Posted February 16, 2010
Greetings from Alain Masson, our Yukon Olympic Connection
Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying the nice weather in the Yukon. Here in Whistler, the weather has been a bit on the wet side in the last few days. We usually get a mix of variable conditions (wet snow-rain-cloudy) as the weather is changing very quickly each day.
The testing is going well for classic and we have been dealing mostly with klister in the last 3 days. The temperature is suppose to cool down in the next few days which should make things a bit more enjoyable for the athletes for the first races on Monday.
We are looking forward to the first races on Monday. Take care. Alain
Posted February 16, 2010
Northwestel Yukon Loppet Registration Deadline!
The registration deadline for the 27th running of the Northwestel Yukon Loppet is fast approaching. Registrations must be mailed or dropped off at The Ski Base by February 27 at 6:00 p.m.
This year's loppet will be a low-frills event due to the volunteer effort required for the Haywood Nationals. The event will be self timed and there will be no banquet. However, you can still expect the same high standard of grooming and an excellent post loppet lunch in the Grey Mountain Room.
For more details and registration form go to the loppet page.
Coast Mountain Wax and Wine
The next Coast Mountain Sports Wax and Wine is on Friday, March 5 at 7:00 p.m. in the Grey Mountain Room at the Mt McIntyre Rec Centre. Gerard Frostad will be discussing how to wax for longer ski outings (such as the Northwestel Yukon Loppet which is on March 6)! Admission is free and all are welcome! For more information call 668-4477.
Posted February 1, 2010
Stadium Now Closed to Dogs Until March 21
Skiers with dogs who usually park at the Stadium Trailhead at the south end of the Canada Games Centre Parking Lot will not be able to take dogs through the stadium between February 1 and March 21.
The reasons for the closure are:
1. The Subway Ski S'Cool will be running every school day during February and the squad and Jackrabbit programs are running on weekends.
2. The Haywood 2010 Natonals ski races are scheduled from March 14, 2010 to March 21, 2010.
The ski club board would like to ensure that the chilren using the stadium are safe and they would like to ensure that the stadium is clean for these programs and events.
Posted February 1, 2010
Yukon Skiers Making Their Mark Worldwide
Dahria Beatty, competing in the World Junior Championships in Germany over the weekend, really showed the world that she is a force to be reckoned with as she sparked the four woman Canadian relay team to a strong finish.
Beatty skied the first leg of the four leg 10 km relay and held her own against the best in the world, staying with the lead pack for the bulk of the race and finishing in 8th position. The team slid back a bit after that, but still finished a strong 14th overall. To nobody’s surprise, Scandinavian teams swept the podium.
Meanwhile, half a world away at the Eastern Canadian Cross Country Championships in Cantley Quebec, Yukoners Graham Nishikawa and David Greer were cranking out the medals at a frantic pace.
On Saturday, competing in a 10 km free technique race, Nishikawa easily took the top step on the podium, winning in a time of 23:02. Not too far behind was David Greer, who picked up the bronze medal.
Sunday’s 30 km classic race was almost a repeat of the Saturday results, with one change. Nishikawa once again took the gold, but this time Greer was just a step or two behind and took the silver medal.
Not to be outdone, Janelle Greer was golden on Sunday, easily winning the Junior Female 15 km classic race.
The Easterns is a huge event, attracting over 600 athletes for the weekend of racing.
Despite the massive field, Yukoners were impressive all around. Along with the Yukon medal winners, top 20 performances were handed in by Kendra Murray, Heidi Brook, Brittany Pearson,, Katie Peters, Holly Bull, Fabian Brook, Jeff Wood, Knute Johnsgaard, Logan Potter, Lee Hawkings and Colin Abbott.
“Top 20 is a great result in these huge fields” noted Cross Country Yuko head coach Alain Masson. “The team is strong , we have lots of depth and we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with when we compete on our home turf in the Haywood Ski Nationals in March.”
Thanks to Claude Chabot for the press release.
Posted February 1, 2010
Air North Manager's Challenge!
The Air North Challenge begins today. Pick up your control punch cards at The Ski Base and start exploring the trails. There are four categories, depending on your ski ability and time available. The cost is $2 per punch card and you will need one, two or three cards depending on your category. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Whitehorse Food Bank.
The grand draw prize will be a trip for two to Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary, provided by Air North. And the second prize will be a ski club membership for next season. All participants who complete the Challenge will be eligible for the prizes.
For more information visit the Air North Challenge page.
January 2010
Posted January 28, 2010
News from Dahria Beatty!
Hi everyone,
Today it is finally sunny again, no more fog. It was a lot like a warm race day in Whitehorse but the conditions were faster. Today was the 5k classic. I started 12th right after another Canadian(Heidi). I ended 25th out of 82 girls. I was very happy with my race. Since I started so early when I finished I was in 1st place which meant I got to sit on the thrown at the finish until someone came in with a faster time. It was such a cool experience.
The sprint on Monday was also fun. In a way it was a harder race for me but a good start all the same. Seeing all the other competitors from so many nations is slightly overwhelming yet super cool at the same time, it is hard to describe. Monday night was the opening ceremonies and we all paraded through downtown Hinterzarten. The ceremonies themselves had a lot of talking but we got a chance to see all the different teams and meet the Canadian Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping team.
Tomorrow is another training day for us juniors before the pursuit on Friday. The U-23's are competing tomorrow, it is their classic race.
It has been a super experience so far and there is still 2 more races to go:)
Dahria..
Posted January 28, 2010
Freestyle Race Hosted by Grey Mountain Biathlon Club!
The Biathlon folks are hosting a freestyle ski race on February 6, 2010 at the Grey Mountain Biathlon Trails. Please note this is not a Biathlon race, so sorry, no rifles.
Entry forms and information are available in the waxroom.
There will be categories for everyone: Peewee (born 1998 or later) to Open (1980 or earlier). Distances will range from 1.5km for Pewees to 10km for Open and Junior Men This will be an opportunity to introduce and even reintroduce skiers to the trails at the Biathlon Range.
This is an informal event and everyone is welcome. Entry fees are $5 (except for Pewee -free). Wax your skis before you come.
Refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Bill Curtis 633 5717.
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Exciting Leadership Changes at WCCSC
The WCCSC has now begun advertising to recruit an interim Executive Director. This will be a contract position that will run from March 1 to September 30, 2010.
The WCCSC has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years. Now in its 30th year of operations, our club boasts a membership base of some 1,300 dues- paying members who enjoy the many programs and services available at our Mount McIntyre location.
Over the years, the ski club has moved from largely a volunteer-led organization to one that relies more heavily on its Manager and related paid staff. While this model has served the club well, further change is required to ensure the long-term sustainability of operations at a level of service expected by our members. Simply put, our current management team is being unfairly stretched in delivering on its ever-growing mandate.
The Board members of WCCSC have invested much time and discussion over the past ten months to consider a new business model that will help keep our club sustainable and ensure a healthy future.
Board members unanimously agreed on two objectives:
- That, at this time, the WCCSC take an incremental approach to club restructuring, and;
- Improving our business model by more appropriately apportioning the ‘strategic’ and ‘operational’ components of our business.
To achieve the second objective, and to begin implementing some of the much-need restructuring changes, the Board has recommended that immediate steps begin to recruit a part-time Executive Director. This new position will help offset some of the pressures faced by our current Manager, Mike Gladish.
The Executive Director will focus on financial management, strategic planning and projects, and strategic communications.
Mike Gladish will remain as the club’s Operations Manager and will continue to provide the club with his excellent leadership of all club operations, facilities and programs.
oth positions will report to the Board of Directors while the board continues an ongoing review and analysis of the club’s business model.
All of the board members, along with the Manager, are confident that these changes will maintain our club’s current healthy financial and operational state, and position the club well for the future.
Club members are encouraged to contact any of the board representatives for more information or to discuss current and future restructuring changes and options.
Posted January 20, 2010
Air North Manager's Challenge
Information is now posted in the wax room and on this website for the Air North Challenge which will run from February 1 to 28. Registration will begin on January 24 at The Ski Base. Thanks to Air North for sponsoring the grand draw prize, a trip for two to Vancouver, Edmonton, or Calgary. And thanks to Yukon Orienteering Association for providing controls, maps and expertise. More info.
Posted January 20, 2010
Toonie Time Trial
The next Toonie Time Trial is on Saturday, January 23. The time trial is open to all ages but distances are more appropriate for junior age skiers and older. There will be 10, 15 and 30 kilometer options.Course maps are posted in the Wax Room.Registration will be taken up until 1 hour before the start which will be 12:30 p.m.
Coast Mountain Sports Wax and Wine
The next Coast Mountain Sports Wax and Wine is on Friday, February 5 at 7:00 PM in the Grey Mountain Room at the Mount McIntyre Recreation Centre. Allan Frostad will be discussing basic grip waxing and the relationship between ski construction, technique, and waxing. Physiotherapist Thane Phillips will explain appropriate stretches and simple strengthening exercises for skiing. Admission is free and all are welcome! For more information call 668-4477.
Posted January 15, 2010
Yukon Championships Freestyle Day
Saturday will be a busy day at the club. Beginning at 11:30 a.m. the Tim Horton Ski'll Fest will kick off the day with fun activities for kids under 12. The the Yukon Championships freestyle race will start at 12:30 p.m. And the Masters Challenge will start at 1:30 p.m. Those who want to take part in a low key time trial can sign up for the Challenge until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Recreational skiers are still welcome to use the trails. The races will use trails close to and north of the Rec Centre. Between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. there will be racers going through the Tube and over the bridge, so use caution in those areas. A suggested alternate route: ski north from the chalet and use Olympic Cutoff and the Ramp to get to Raven Trail.
Posted January 15, 2010
Treasure Hunt and Pizza Supper Postponed
The Treasure Hunt and pizza supper that was scheduled for January 19 has been postponed. A new date will be announced later on.
Posted January 7, 2010
Skis and poles taken by mistake on December 27
A pair of Fischer SCS 195cm skis and Exel poles (red & yellow) were taken from the ski rack outside the wax room on December 27. The name on the skis is Mary El Kerr.
There is a reward involving lots of cookies so please check your ski bag, Thule Box or ski locker.
Call the ski club 668-447 or Mary El 333-9835.
Posted January 6, 2010
Beatty and Nishikawa Going to Worlds!
Two great young Yukon skiers have been given the nod by Cross Country Canada to represent their country in upcoming world championship races. The pair were chosen based on their results in a three race selection series this past week in Quebec.
Dahria Beatty, who has been having a stellar season, will be competing in the World Junior Championships at the end of the month.
Beatty has been consistently near the top of the junior women’s’ field in races around the country this season. She posted two 4th place finishes in the junior women’s field in the three race series in Quebec, and has consistently been in the top two in the 15 year old group in the field.
And Emily Nishikawa, pulling off a superb comeback after losing the complete season last year due to injury, will be competing in the World Under 23 Championships.
Nishikawa, no stranger to the podium, pulled off a first place, a third place and a fourth place finish in her age group for the series.
Both World Championships will be held in Hinterzgarten, Germany and begin January 24.
Although Beatty and Nishikawa were the only Yukoners chosen to head off to Europe for the Championships, there were some other fine performances turned in at the Quebec races by other Yukon Ski Team members.
Racing in the Open Men’s category, Graham Nishikawa pulled off a pair of silver medal performances in the two distance races.
And Janelle Greer, despite suffering from a vicious cold that has decimated the Yukon team, managed a silver medal performance in Tuesday’s 10km classic technique race.
Meanwhile, Knute Johnsgaard demonstrated some strong potential as he turned in two top ten performances out of three races in the series.
Posted January 2, 2010
Dogs in Ski Stadium
The ski club board has received a serious complaint about dogs in the stadium and there have been repeated incidents of skiers allowing dogs to be unleashed or uncontrolled in the stadium.
The board is concerned about the safety and comfort of club members who are using the stadium for lessons, events and ski club programs. The stadium is being used more each year and is a popular area for beginning skiers. The Tube and Ketza Connector are also used a lot by beginners. Here is a reminder about the rules for dogs in the stadium area:
- skiers are asked to stay to the left of the blue fencing along the side of the stadium when departing from the Canada Games Centre parking lot (Stadium Trailhead)
- dogs must be on a leash or skijoring line from the parking lot to Dog Trail and preferably as far as Telemark Hill - it is recommended that dogs be leashed before exiting from your vehicle to avoid uncontrolled behaviour
- when there are children in the stadium extra caution should be used
Skiers with dogs are encouraged to use the Hamilton Blvd parking area, especially at peak times such as Saturday and Sunday and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
In preparation for the 2010 Haywood Nationals there will be a ban on dogs in the stadium beginning on March 1.
